VP Vance Suggests Eileen Gu Should Compete for U.S. After 'Benefiting' From System

The vice president said athletes who gained a U.S. education and freedoms should want to compete for America, but notes it is up to the Olympic committee.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 4:39pm by Ben Kaplan

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Vice President JD Vance said Tuesday that while Olympic authorities ultimately determine athlete eligibility, he believes competitors who have 'benefited' from American education and freedoms should want to represent the United States in response to a question about Eileen Gu competing for China.

Why it matters

Gu's decision to compete for China has drawn attention from right-wing figures who argue athletes who have benefited from the U.S. system should represent the country. The debate highlights tensions around national identity and athlete eligibility in international competitions.

The details

Vance claimed Gu's status should be decided by the Olympics, adding someone who 'benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that make this country a great place' should want to compete with the United States. Gu was born and raised in San Francisco, California, and initially competed for the United States before switching to represent China in 2019 to honor her mother's heritage.

  • Vance made the comments on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

JD Vance

The vice president of the United States.

Eileen Gu

A 22-year-old freestyle skier from California who competes for China.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This debate highlights the complex issues surrounding national identity and athlete eligibility in international competitions, as well as the tensions that can arise when athletes with ties to multiple countries choose to represent a country other than the one where they were born and raised.